Caitlin Clark shoe deal, explained: Why hasn't Nike released new kicks for 2025 WNBA season?

Year 2 of the Caitlin Clark experience has arrived in the WNBA, and it's complete with style and substance.

After rewriting history during her Rookie of the Year campaign in 2024, Clark will look to lead the new-look Indiana Fever to new heights as the franchise pursues its second-ever title. And she'll do so while proudly representing the Swoosh.

Ahead of her rookie season, Clark inked an eight-year contract with Nike in a deal rumored to be worth north of $25 million. As part of the deal, Clark will receive a signature shoe with the brand, causing fans to eagerly anticipate the release of her sneaker.

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As the 2025 season gets underway, however, Clark's sneaker will not be available for purchase, and she won't be wearing them just yet. When can fans expect to see Nike's first Caitlin Clark shoe? Here is what to know about Clark's Nike deal and the release of her first signature shoe

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Caitlin Clark shoe deal, explained

Clark's deal is an eight-year contract worth a rumored $28 million, as announced in 2024.

She is still in line to receive a signature shoe as part of the deal, but the release date is unknown. In January, Nike CEO Elliott Hill said the brand is "working on her signature shoe that will launch. And we're working on her logo and her design of her logo."

Multiple Nike signature athletes have indicated that the process of developing and designing a signature shoe takes two years. Based on that timeline, Clark's signature shoe could be released at some point in 2026, though that is unconfirmed.

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In the meantime, Nike will conduct a June release of Clark's player edition (PE) of the Nike Kobe 5 Protro in Fever colors and, during the holidays, will release Clark's player edition of the Nike Kobe 6 Protro in a light blue shade.

While the summer and holiday releases won't be Clark's signature shoe, they can serve as a preview of what's to come from a partnership between the Fever star and Nike. The wide scale of interest suggests both shoes will sell out with relative ease.